Responsibilities for ethical research

Within a framework of good governance and appropriate training, responsibility for the conduct of ethical research must ultimately lie with the researchers themselves.

They will be expected to recognise the relevant ethical principles, to operate within the spirit of these principles, and be able to justify any research activity that does not accord with these principles.

Principle 1: Protection of the participants' interests

Gain informed consent from participants

Protect the interests of vulnerable groups

Assure the anonymity of participants, where appropriate

Assure the confidentiality of information, where appropriate

Respect the privacy of participants (and avoid undue intrusion)

Operate with transparency (open dealings with participants)

Provide equality of treatment

Principle 2: Compliance with the law

Ensure data security

Establish ownership of the data (intellectual property and copyright)

Recognise legal (and moral) sensitivities surrounding the topic of research